Best Cordless Impact Driver in 2019

Every tradesman knows that owning the best cordless impact driver is a must. Without it, driving longer screws into harder materials is near impossible. Halfway between a cordless drill and a hammer drill, the cordless impact driver is a tool to consider.

This piece of workshop equipment comes in handy in many situations. You can use it to drive screws through hardwood. To remove rust screws from old materials, and for a variety of different purposes.

Here's a list of Best Cordless Impact Driver

When it comes to choosing the best tool for your purpose, things get tricky though. There are dozens of models on the market and deciding which is the best is never easy. But before finding which are my preferred options, there are a few other things you should consider.

Impact Driver vs. Cordless Drill

Contractors and tradesman know precisely which is the difference between these two tools. But a less experienced homeowner, a beginner, or a novice amateur might be confused by the similarities these tools share.

Technically, they are both used to drive screws through materials, but the impact driver is more potent than the cordless drill.

And now I hear you wondering why not invest in this tool alone.

Well, the truth is an impact driver can’t always replace the cordless drill. The cordless drills are still popular for a reason. They are easier to use for the day-to-day tasks when the enhanced power of an impact driver is not needed.

Impact drivers, on the other hand, are essential if you want to drive longer screws through harder materials. These tools are ideal for driving into hardwood, stud concrete, and other harder materials including soft metals.

A significant difference between the two tools is the bit compatibility. The impact drivers don’t have an adjustable chuck and can only work with standard ¼ inches hex shafts.

Another thing you should know is that impact drills are not designed to drive through masonry. For this purpose, there is a different tool to consider, called a hammer drill.

How to Choose a Cordless Impact Driver

Now that you know what you need an impact driver for, let’s see how to choose one.

1. Power

The most important thing to consider when choosing a cordless impact driver is the power. Most cordless drills are operated by lithium-ion batteries available in 12V, 18V and 20V variants, and most cells are part of interchangeable systems that allow using the batteries of compatible tools manufactured by the same brand to prolong the runtime.

The power and lifespan of the unit are also determined by the motor. Your best choice is a brushless motor, which is more expensive but needs less maintenance and lasts for longer. Brushless motors are also more efficient and produce less heat, lowering the risk of overheat damage.

2. Speed

Power aside, you must also assess the cordless impact driver’s speed before investing in one. A thing to remember is that an impact driver is meant to use brute force to drive the screws into hard materials.

Some models come with fixed speeds, but these are not the most ideal. Some materials could require lower gears for the best results, that’s why I’d always recommend choosing a tool with variable speeds for maximum versatility.

Most variable speed cordless impact drills allow you to choose from infinite settings between 0 and a maximum threshold, typically around 3,000 revolutions per minute.

More basic models may not come with infinite speed settings but with low, medium, and high settings which drive the screws at preset speeds.

3. Ergonomics

Cordless impact drivers are not exactly lightweight. On top of the weight of the unit, you must add the weight of the battery, which is not negligible.

For this reason, it is essential to invest in a unit that is ergonomic and easy to maneuver. The most important thing is the balance, as this will allow you to handle your power tool with ease.

A soft grip is also important, and it is recommended to invest in a tool with an easy to use trigger.

4. Attachments

Cordless impact drivers can be used for a variety of purposes, not just for driving screws. For instance, you can use them to drill various holes into hardwood and similar materials. Screws and nuts sets are also versatile accessories to have.

As far as drilling is involved, it would be nice to have at least some augers, hole saws, and spade bits compatible with your cordless impact driver.

5. Work Light

Often overlooked but critical is a work light which illuminates the work area in low light conditions or when driving screws in corners or poorly lit spaces.

Top 5 Best Cordless Impact Driver

The DEWALT DCK240C2 is a valuable cordless tools kit comprising a cordless drill and a cordless impact driver powered by a reliable 20V Max lithium ion battery. Both tools come with a battery which ensures an extended runtime regardless of the job you’re engaged in.

Ergonomic Tools

Both the drill and the impact driver boast an ergonomic design and are easy to maneuver. For enhanced user experience, both tools come with built-in LED lights with a 20-second delay which ensure maximum visibility.

Overall Assessment

Coming with high-performance motors and reliable lithium ion batteries, the two tools bring a unique value for money and are ideal to use for a wide range of applications. The cordless impact drill delivers great performance on most materials.

DEWALT DCK240C2 Video Review

2. DEWALT DCF885C1

Highlights

One-hand bit loading

Built-in LED light

20V Max battery

Lightweight design

High no load speed

Reliable

The DEWALT DCF885C1 is another great cordless impact driver manufactured by DEWALT that comes in two retail versions with a brushed or brushless motor. Regardless of your choice, the unit is reliable and capable of handling high-volume, heavy-duty tasks.

Speed

Ideal for most applications, this cordless impact driver impresses with a no-load speed between 0 and 2,800 revolutions per minute. This ensures project suitability; moreover, the pace allows for infinite adjustments within the range.

Overall Assessment

Robust, reliable, and available in multiple retail options, the DEWALT DCF885C1 brings all you could wish for from a best-value pick. The tool comes with or without the battery kit, and you can choose between a lower price and a brushed motor or a more expensive option and brushless motor.

DEWALT DCF885C1 Video Review

3. PORTER CABLE PCCK604L2

Highlights

Cordless drill and impact driver combo

20V Max batteries

High-performance engine

Compact design

Storage bag

Excellent Impact Driver

The cordless impact driver included in this high-value kit boasts a solid construction and impresses with its features. The tool comes with two variable speed settings allowing you to go up to 2,800 revolutions per minute or 3,100 respectively. The Quick Load chuck and 1,450 inches per pound of torque make this tool suitable for all applications.

Compact Design

Lightweight and ergonomic, this impact driver is only 6.9-inch long and weighs 3.3 pounds. Featuring an ergonomic handle, bit storage and LED light, the tool is perfect to use for amateur or professional applications.

Overall Assessment

Containing two high-quality tools, the PORTER CABLE PCCK604L2 delivers excellent value and appeals to professionals and homeowners. The tool combo also comes at a price that won’t break the bank and the tools and accessories are stored in an attractive storage bag which adds further value.

PORTER CABLE PCCK604L2 Video Review

4. BLACK+DECKER BDCI20C

Highlights

Quick release chuck

High-performance transmission

Ergonomic design

20V battery

Dual speed

Transmission

Designed to drive screws through the hardest materials, the BLACK+DECKER BDCI20C boasts a high-performance transmission which delivers up to 1,375 inches per pound of maximum torque. This is enough for the impact driver to handle hardwood and soft metals.

Dual Speeds

Capable of handling most materials with ease and compatible with a wide range of driving and drilling accessories, this impact driver comes with double speeds which go up to 3,000 revolutions per minute and 3,900 revolutions per minute respectively.

Overall Assessment

Ideal for contractors and appealing for the homeowners, the BLACK+DECKER BDCI20C drives screws at astonishing speeds and is capable of drilling or cut holes through hardwood, plywood, and soft metals. Lightweight and ergonomic, this tool is one to consider.

BLACK+DECKER BDCI20C Video Review

5. Makita XDT111

Highlights

3.9 pounds overall weight

Variable speeds

High torque

4-pole motor

All metal housing

Variable Speeds

Ideal for most applications, the Makita XDT111 comes with a variable speed setting which allows you to choose between 2,900 and 3,500 revolutions per minute. This is sufficient for most fastening and drilling applications.

Motor

Despite coming with a 4-pole 4-brush motor, this cordless impact driver delivers with up to 26% more speed than other similar tools without losing any torque. However, the engine needs maintenance and is not the most long-lasting.

Overall Assessment

Brining Makita signature qualities, the XDT111 model comes with all metal housing for increased job site durability and boasts a compact and ergonomic design. This tool weighs under 4 pounds with the battery on and is very easy to handle.

Makita XDT111 Video Review

Conclusion

A cordless impact driver is no doubt one of the most versatile job site tools. Powerful enough to handle harder materials, it serves multiple purposes from fastening and loosening to drilling and cutting holes through hardwood and metal. Indeed, choosing the best cordless impact drill is not the most straightforward task. There are dozens of things to consider, from the type of motor to the battery and the speed. Nevertheless, you now know which are some of your best options so you can choose a reliable tool for your arsenal.

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